Oil-impregnation parameters influence the wear resistance of polyamide components

This study investigates the abrasive wear rate of a polyamide component as a function of its temperature and hexane content in the process fluid used to impregnate its surface layer with oil. We employed an abrasive wear testing method described in GOST 11012–2017, “Plastics. Method of test for resistance to abrasion”. The experimental setup involved a plane–disc abrasion scheme with a high disc rotation speed of 610 rpm. Test samples (Ø10 × 10 mm) were manufactured using polyamide grade PA6. The abrasive material was grade 6 CK19XW sandpaper, according to GOST 344–79. The research findings indicated that the abrasive wear rate of the PA6 polyamide samples ranged from 0.016 to 0.029 mm/min. This study also established relationships between the depth of abrasive wear (up to 2 mm) and the duration of wear for both non-impregnated and oil-impregnated samples under various processing conditions. The results confirm that the temperature of the polyamide sample and the hexane content in the low-viscosity process fluid during oil impregnation influence the abrasive wear rate, with a maximum improvement in wear resistance of 54.5% achieved at a sample temperature of 75°C and a hexane content of 40%. These findings are necessary for developing engineering support for oil impregnation to a specified depth of the surface layer in polyamide components used in friction units that operate under conditions of abrasive wear and high load.